“He didn’t make trouble until it killed him”: Brendan Fraser Had To Be “Put together with tape and ice” After Starring in Career-Ruining Mummy Film
Brendan Fraser, undoubtedly, has had an extraordinary acting career that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Universally well-liked and celebrated, this versatile star has graced the silver screen in many remarkable films spanning several decades. However, amid the glittering success and fame, Fraser’s journey took an unexpected and challenging turn.
One pivotal moment that is etched in the minds of his avid fans is the harrowing incident that nearly claimed his life during the filming of the third installment of The Mummy franchise in 2008. What was supposed to be a routine stunt on set turned into a near-death experience, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his career and, more importantly, his life. The physical demands of these action-packed roles had a lasting impact on his body, serving as a testament to his unwavering commitment.
Brendan Fraser’s Burden of Dedication toward his craft
Brendan Fraser‘s iconic ’90s and early 2000s performances are etched into American popular culture. His magnetic screen presence and resolute character portrayals left an enduring mark. However, his unwavering commitment took a toll, evident in the physical and emotional strain, especially from demanding stunts. The allure of Hollywood came at a price as Fraser grappled with accumulating, excruciating pain.
In a tragic paradox, the very tenacity that propelled Fraser to stardom also pushed him to his limits in a manner that was ultimately self-destructive. His determination to never give up, and to always show up, left an impression that was as admirable as it was concerning. Brendan Fraser told GQ,
“But I felt like the horse from Animal Farm, whose job it was to work and work and work. Orwell wrote a character who was, I think, the proletariat. He worked for the good of the whole, he didn’t ask questions, he didn’t make trouble until it killed him.… I don’t know if I’ve been sent to the glue factory, but I’ve felt like I’ve had to rebuild shit that I’ve built that got knocked down and do it again for the good of everyone. Whether it hurts you or not.”
In such moments, it becomes challenging to distinguish between the remarkable acting performances that thrilled audiences and the silent cries for help that might have been woven into the very roles Fraser portrayed. Brendan Fraser’s journey in the realm of cinema, marked by brilliance and adversity, underscores the fragility of even the most formidable stars.
Brendan Fraser’s Painful Journey in The Mummy Movie
By the late 2000s, Brendan Fraser had reached a breaking point, his physical and emotional reserves drained by the relentless demands and injuries in his career. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, a film in which Fraser starred, not only showcased his talent but also became a crucible of suffering. It exacerbated existing injuries and introduced new ones. Fraser often acted as his own stuntman throughout his career, enduring numerous risks and physical strains. Ultimately, injuries became an unfortunate commonality for him and the cumulative toll on his body grew unbearable. Fraser told GQ,
“By the time I did the third Mummy picture in China,” which was 2008, “I was put together with tape and ice—just, like, really nerdy and fetishy about ice packs. Screw-cap ice packs and downhill-mountain-biking pads, ’cause they’re small and light and they can fit under your clothes. I was building an exoskeleton for myself daily.”
Reaching his breaking point, Fraser underwent a laminectomy to alleviate spinal pain but required a second surgery a year later. He also endured a partial knee replacement, back surgeries fusing spinal discs with bolts, and vocal cord surgery, reflecting the toll on his body. Over nearly seven grueling years, he cycled through hospitals, broken in body and spirit. This relentless ordeal led to a moment of reckoning, with The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor symbolizing the suffering in his life and career.
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